Shire scraps camping ban on Stuart Highway

Sign of old times: Camping bans on the side of the Stuart Highway have been scrapped by the Barkly Shire.

Bryce Green

The Barkly Shire has scrapped by-laws that allowed it to forcibly move on travellers camping next to the Stuart Highway.

The powers were inherited from the Tennant Creek Town Council, but the Shire says they are unnecessary.

The Shire believes it will not significantly affect local caravan parks, and says campers can be moved on if they are in a dangerous spot.

The Shire chief executive, David Shoobridge, says it is trying to encourage more tourists to stay longer in the area.

"Basically what they're trying to do is encourage the feeling, or foster the feeling that Tennant Creek and Elliot are areas that are friendly to travellers and we welcome them here, we're not trying to force them to go into a caravan park," Mr Shoobridge said.

"Those that are going to use caravan parks will go into a caravan park, and the people that run the caravan parks in Tennant Creek have admitted as much to us.

"If they park in a place where they're a danger to themselves, or to others, they can still be moved on."